Oasis Social Ministry could close down; monetary donations tanking
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Desperation is looming among the growing homeless population in Hampton Roads as they struggle to find shelter and their next meal, and the problem is only worsening.
Meanwhile, a prominent place of feeding in Hampton Roads is on edge as their resources dwindle. Oasis Social Ministry has been feeding the homeless community in Portsmouth and beyond for 54 years, but will it make it to 55?
That question remains as the food pantry's executive director, Cathy Davis says they are currently down by 67 percent on monetary donations and have been tanking since February.
'We're looking at are we still going to have our doors open in six months,' she says.
The need is undeniably high. Just last month, it's staff of six rolled out 25,000 meals.
'Our homeless numbers are up by 18 percent over two years ago,' says Davis. 'With all the budget rollbacks and cutbacks for the federal funding for USDA feeding programs, SNAP programs, Medicaid programs. But the economic uncertainty with rent prices going up, grocery prices going up, it has created a perfect storm of uncertainty.'
Lack of affordable housing, systemic poverty, mental health and addiction, unemployment, and eviction are all driving the numbers, according to the Southeastern Virginia Homeless Coalition.
In the state, the SVHC also reports homelessness to have climbed by 15 percent between 2021 and 2023. The data shows Portsmouth to hold one of the highest per capita homeless populations.
'I have consistent daily, multiple times a day, people coming and asking for shelter,' she says. Where did they go for shelter? Who they call for shelter. We have seen what we call our unique visit. So first time visitors ever to a food pantry are up by 50 percent. So those are almost 250 folks a month that are coming to us that have never had to go to a food pantry before in their life.'It's executive director Cathy Davis says — last month the pantry served 25-thousand meals.
Oasis Social Ministry receives no city, state or federal funding. However, it does participate in federal food programs like the Commodity Supplemental Feeding Program, which just lost $1.2 billion to funding cuts.
To donate to Oasis Social Ministry, click .
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
From SNAP Benefits to Valedictorian: Goodwin University Celebrates the Remarkable Journey of Susan Johnson
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodwin University is proud to shine a spotlight on Susan Johnson, an extraordinary member of the class of 2025 whose perseverance, academic excellence, and personal resilience have earned her not only the title of valedictorian but also the school's Award for Academic Excellence in the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program. A single mother of four, Susan spent years working tirelessly as a nanny while receiving SNAP benefits to make ends meet — but she knew she was capable of more. When Susan received a flyer in the mail about free associate degree programs offered through Goodwin University's partnership with the state SNAP program, she saw a pathway to a brighter future for her and her young family. Susan officially enrolled in Goodwin's associate degree program in human services in 2018 — and everything changed. By the end of her program, Susan earned her associate degree summa cum laude. Soon after, she joined the University staff as a senior administrative assistant, a role that empowered her to pursue her bachelor's degree in Human Services while working full-time and raising her daughters. Her GPA? An astonishing 4.0, and she is presently pursuing a master's degree in Public Health. Susan's story reaches its pinnacle this week as she prepares to represent her fellow 2025 graduates as valedictorian, carrying the Goodwin University flag and ringing the Goodwin Bell during commencement ceremonies. "You have it in you to make the end of your story better than how it began," says Susan. "No matter where you start, you have the power to rewrite the future — and I am living proof of that." University leaders agree. "Susan's journey from SNAP recipient to University graduate and employee exemplifies the transformative power of education and determination," said Goodwin's Human Services program director, Liz Lane. "She is an inspiration for those who cross the stage at commencement this week, as well as those who sit in the stands." University President Mark Scheinberg echoes this sentiment. "Susan reminds us what's possible when opportunity meets resilience and the support of an educational community. She embodies the mission of Goodwin University at its best: removing barriers to education, championing learners of all ages and backgrounds, and helping students write new chapters in their lives filled with purpose and potential." Media outlets are invited to cover Susan's story and the award presentation. Interviews with Susan and University representatives are available by request. Commencement Information:Date: Thursday, June 12Time: 4 Rentschler Field, East Hartford, ConnecticutVisuals: Susan addressing the crowd, receiving the Academic Excellence Award, ringing the bell, and carrying the university flag. MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: One-on-one interviews with Susan Johnson Interviews with Liz Lane and university leaders about Susan's recognition Footage and photos from commencement About Goodwin University: Goodwin University in East Hartford, Connecticut, is an innovative learning community that empowers hard-working students to become sought-after employees. We tailor our programs to address the needs of employers, and we shape them to fit the lives of students. Classes are conveniently offered year-round — days, evenings, weekends, and online. Degrees may be flexibly layered across certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in a variety of in-demand fields. Better still, we surround our students with the personal support and the professional guidance they need — not just to earn degrees, but to change lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. For more information, please visit To schedule interviews or request media access, contact: Peter Decoteau, pdecoteau@ 860-748-8246 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Goodwin University
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Denver Public Schools is helping make sure kids don't go hungry this summer
Denver Public Schools launched its Summer Food Service Program at dozens of schools across the city to make sure every child keeps hunger at bay while on summer break. Breakfast and lunch are free for all children, age 18 and younger, on weekdays. New to the program this year is food that is locally grown, which is featured in the meals. The Colorado Department of Education has 635 summer meal sites open statewide to provide meals free of charge to all youth ages 18 and younger. CBS "The kids are getting our normal school menu, but they're also getting farm-grown locally by Denver Public Schools produce that is added to the summer meals and breakfast," said DPS Summer Meals Engagement Coordinator Lindsey Long. According to DPS, "The Summer Meals Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Colorado Department of Education's School Nutrition Unit in partnership with community-based program sponsors. Last year, program sponsors provided more than 1.9 million meals to Colorado youth." Denver Public Schools launched its "Summer Food Service Program" at dozens of schools across the city. CBS Meals are provided free of charge to anyone aged 18 and younger, no registration, identification, or proof of income or enrollment is required to enjoy a summer meal. The Colorado Department of Education says 635 summer meal sites are open statewide to provide meals free of charge to all youth ages 18 and younger. Visit to find a nearby meal site. Additional Information from Denver Public Schools: About the Summer Meals Program: • Meals are free to all kids and teens 18 years and younger. In rural locations, some meals may be taken home to eat. • Parents do not need to apply to the program for their children to get free summer meals. • Organizations that can administer the Summer Meals Program include schools, non-profit organizations, government entities, camps, universities, and community and faith-based organizations. • Parents and youth can find summer meal sites by visiting • Meals served follow USDA nutrition guidelines. About the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program: • Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries. • Funds to purchase groceries are placed on EBT cards. • The program is led by the Colorado Department of Human Services with support from CDE. • To learn more about Summer EBT, visit
Elle
a day ago
- Elle
Jupiter Is In Cancer - And It Wants You To Redefine What Family Really Means
Feeling a tug on your apron strings? A collective shift is coming today, June 9, as adventurous Jupiter sails into Cancer, the sign of women, home, and families. Jupiter spends approximately 12-13 months in each zodiac sign, blessing us with yearlong cycles in which to stretch, grow, and find our fortune. Even better? Caring, intuitive Cancer is Jupiter's happiest place in the zodiac, its 'exalted' position in astro-speak. Nevertheless, there's an odd balance to strike between Jupiter's nomadic urges and Cancer's nesting instincts. Jupiter is the free spirit; Cancer, the nurturing mother. The way we 'do' family life could change in unpredictable ways between now and June 30, 2026. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE With conservatism on the rise among Gen Z, there might be a growing focus on the nuclear family. Population decline has become an existential worry—and an actual concern—in recent years. Hyperbolic Jupiter could drum up global worries about the extinction of the human race. And in Cancer, 'more is more' Jupiter could usher in a modern-day baby boom, at least for those who have the means to feed extra mouths. Here's a fascinating fact: Louise Brown became the first baby born by IVF on July 25, 1978, when—you guessed it—Jupiter was in Cancer. But baby fever could also feel equally dystopian. In the United States, fed-up tradwives have been quietly finding each other on TikTok, forming support groups in private chats and banding together to escape the oppressive lifestyle. Plus, without greater protections for reproductive rights, Jupiter in Cancer may struggle to deliver much of a baby boom in the United States. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, simply becoming pregnant has brought increased risk for some people, as miscarriages and stillbirths have led to a handful of criminal cases in select states. Simultaneously, social programs for families, like SNAP benefits and Head Start, are under threat. How do you afford a child, even if you want one? That struggle is sure to be a hot topic in the zeitgeist with Jupiter in Cancer. And despite the swing toward conservatism, heteronormative marriage could undergo a reputational reckoning. With Jupiter heading into Cancer, we may see more people cohabitating, consciously uncoupling, or skipping the whole 'white dress and mortgage' narrative altogether. Family will be redefined on our own terms. Regardless of your kid count, Jupiter in Cancer revs up the collective's maternal instincts. How do we care for each other? Nurture ourselves? Feel safe and protected? Those are bound to be hot topics over the next 13 months. And will the future be female? Jupiter in Cancer can bring a culture-wide shift with regards to women's rights, bodily agency, and access to power. Past cycles have definitely amplified these themes: On the heels of Jupiter's 2013-2014 odyssey in Cancer, Beyoncé brought gender rights to the VMAs, performing in front of a huge sign that read 'Feminist.' The same year, then-17-year-old Cancerian Malala Yousafzai became the youngest-ever person to win a Nobel Peace Prize for her work providing safe education for girls. As Jupiter flows through tender, tidal Cancer, the next 13 months will ask us to redefine what it means to belong. This transit invites us to weave stronger emotional bonds and to protect what's sacred—whether with chosen family or people who share our DNA. Expect fierce debates and heartfelt movements around reproductive justice, caregiving, and who gets to claim the title of 'family.' At its best, this cosmic cycle can birth a global reawakening around empathy, equity, and the power of community care. No, it may not look like a Hallmark card. But the future family is forming now—and if bountiful Jupiter has a say, it's got room for everyone at the table. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Ophira and Tali Edut (The AstroTwins) are among the most sought-after astrologers and intuitive advisors of our times. As the longtime resident astrologers for ELLE Magazine and the authors of over 20 books, they are the advisors to a roster of CEOs, celebrities, global leaders and successful entrepreneurs. They've read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts. Their new book, The Astrology Advantage (Simon & Schuster), introduces The AstroTwins' revolutionary I*AM System, which simplifies the birth chart into three archetypes: Innovator, Authority, and Maven. On television, The AstroTwins have appeared as guest experts for Bravo, MTV, 'Good Morning America,' and the 'Today' show, and created the first streaming reality TV dating show based on astrology, Cosmic Love (Amazon Prime Video, 2022). Their work on the subject of 'spiritual technology' as an essential tool for business success has been featured in Fast Company and at leadership conferences around the world. Ophira and Tali have taught thousands of people their methods through their online platform, and at their signature retreats. Graduates of The University of Michigan, Ophira and Tali grew up in Detroit and currently live in New York and Seattle.
